3rd Wheel is a group of potters whose creative process is grounded in collaboration, experimentation, and shared growth. During their artist residency at Mirai, they immersed themselves in the rhythms of the landscape—drawing inspiration from the rugged beauty of Mount Rainier and the raw materials of the Pacific Northwest. Working side by side, each artist contributed to every stage of the process, shaping forms that carry the marks of many hands. The group’s shift toward a freer, more intuitive approach reflects their openness to exploration and their deep respect for clay as a living medium. Wild clay, gathered from the surrounding environment, infused their work with natural texture and character—stones, grit, and impurities becoming expressions of place. The residency challenged and inspired them, transforming the way they see both the material and each other. It’s a story of connection, growth, and the beauty of making together. Shop their residency-made ceramic collection: https://goods.bonsaimirai.com/collections/ceramics?filter.p.vendor=3rd+Wheel+Potters